Thursday, July 8, 2010

DTN News: Singapore And US Conduct Annual Maritime Exercise

(NSI News Source Info) SINGAPORE - July 8, 2010: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the United States Navy (USN) and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are participating in the 16th Singapore-US Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise from 5 to 19 Jul 2010. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral (RADM) Joseph Leong, and the USN Commander Logistics Group Western Pacific, RADM Nora Tyson, officiated at the opening ceremony of the exercise at Changi Naval Base this morning.

Exercise CARAT 2010 will focus on honing maritime capabilities such as competencies in anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, as well as maritime air operations. This year's exercise will feature a MISTRAL missile firing by the RSN Landing Ship Tank RSS Persistence against air drone targets. Submariners from the RSN and the USN will be operating together in a submarine tracking exercise.

The SAF will be participating with nine ships, including frigates and missile corvettes; a submarine and 12 aircraft, including fighters and maritime patrol aircraft. The USN and USCG will be participating with five ships, including destroyers; a submarine, and four aircraft comprising helicopters and early warning aircraft. A total of 1,400 personnel from both countries are also involved in this year's exercise.

Conducted since 1995, this series of annual bilateral maritime exercises aims to enhance interoperability and professional cooperation between the participating forces of Singapore and the US. Commander Destroyer Squadron 31 USN Captain Richard Clemmons said: "Working with the RSN allows us a unique opportunity to cultivate relationships with a highly capable partner in this region.

This Exercise CARAT marks 16 successful years with Singapore and I'm certain that this year's exercise will be rewarding both in terms of training as well as in the personal relationships we continue to nurture."